Oh Jin-hyuk has finally officially announced his retirement from the Korean team.
The 42-year-old is best known for becoming the first archer from a developed country to win an Olympic title in 2012, but he began hinting at the end of his career in 2015. His career would continue for almost 10 years.
Kim Woo-jin, Kim Jae-duk, and Lee Woo-seok were selected as the representative athletes for the 2024 Paris Olympics. After the final day of the national selection event held in Naecheon today, a comment was made that “Young archers can achieve better results.'' “I guess,” he said.
“I wish them the best of luck.”
Against all odds, the legendary and seemingly ageless Oh once again selected eight players to represent South Korea in 2024. This was his final shot at making the Olympic team, but he fell just short (out of several hundred professional athletes in the country), finishing last in the final selection.
“He was the captain of the team and then a good brother that I always relied on,” said Woojin, who took over Mr. Oh's role as leader of the men's team.
“His retirement is unfortunate. But over time, a more capable junior will replace me. That's how Korean Archery will continue to be at the top.”
It took much longer than even he expected, but Oh Jin-hyuk was finally defeated.
He has already started working as a player and coach with the professional team Hyundai Steel, and is expected to transition to full-time coaching in the coming months, following in the footsteps of former teammate Lim Dong-hyun.
Winning the individual championship at the 2012 London Olympics will continue to be Oh's defining achievement.
